State pensioners have just 48 hours left to make a crucial phone call that could secure them £300 in Winter Fuel Payment support, according to Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis.
The final deadline to claim Pension Credit, which enables eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance, is December 21. Earlier this year, the payment was means-tested by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as Labour attempts to plug a £22billion “black hole” in the public finances.
Lewis has issued a warning to Britain’s pensioners that thousands of pounds in benefits could be missed by those who fail to act before the looming deadline this weekend.
The urgent call to action comes as an estimated 800,000 people are currently missing out on vital pension support they could be entitled to. Those who successfully claim Pension Credit could receive thousands of pounds in additional yearly payments, alongside securing their Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
According to Martin Lewis’ MSE website, those aged 66 or over with income under £235 per week should check their eligibility immediately. The website specifies that individuals with income below £218 per week, or £333 for couples, are “very likely” to receive Pension Credit.
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Older Britons are being reminded to apply for Pension Credit before this weekend’s deadline
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Those earning between £218 and £235 weekly (or £333 to £350 for couples) may also qualify, with higher chances for those claiming disability benefits or with caring responsibilities.
“If this is you, it’s worth checking,” the MSE website advises. The guidance emphasises the importance of making the call rather than delaying, with their clear message: “DON’T STALL, JUST CALL.”
Lewis highlighted the reduced support available to pensioners this winter compared to previous years. “Pensioners were already due to get less this winter, as it’ll be the first time since 2022 they haven’t got the up to £300 extra winter fuel cost of living top-up,” he said.
He is sounding the alarm over a likely 10 per cent rise in the energy price cap by winter, making the standard £100 to £300 Winter Fuel Payments crucial for many households.
Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to take action
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Lewis expressed concern about the narrowing eligibility criteria, stating: “Of course, there’s an argument for ending its universality due to tight national finances, but in my view, it’s being squeezed to too narrow a group – just those on benefits and Pension Credit.”
He noted that those just above the thresholds would be “hardest hit” by these changes. Gordon Wallis from Your NRG emphasised the critical nature of the next two days for pensioners.”
“The next two days are critical for pensioners who may otherwise miss out on vital financial support this winter,” he said. Wallis also highlighted a concerning awareness gap among eligible pensioners.
“While the changes aim to focus resources on vulnerable groups, it’s important that eligible pensioners are informed and supported through the process of claiming Pension Credit. Many who qualify remain unaware of the assistance available,” he added.
Caroline Abrahams, the charity director at Age UK, warned that women born in the 1950s are at the most risk due to Labour’s decision to not award state pension compensation.
Earlier this week, pensions minister Liz Kendall confirmed a payout of up to £3,000 would not be awarded to those negatively impacted by historic retirement age changes despite the ombudsman’s recommendation of such in a report this year.
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The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign has fought for years to get financial compensation after the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was found guilty of “maladministration” in informing pensioners of the changes.
Abrahams added: “It isn’t credible for the Government to contradict the ombudsman’s painstaking report when it comes to liability for compensation.
“Everyone understands that the public finances are under acute pressure but the Government should not rub salt in the wounds of those impacted by suggesting there is no case for compensation.
“The fact that many of the women affected will also be coping with the loss of their Winter Fuel Payment this year will intensify their sense of injustice.”
